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Deportation protest in DC leads to multiple arrests

Posted by Matthew Green | Jun 04, 2014 | 0 Comments

Near the end of April, there was a protest held in the nation's capital. Those who are involved with immigration reform activism are generally not strangers to organizing protests throughout the country. This specific one was meant to bring about an end to all deportations.

The group in attendance at the protest included approximately 20 individuals, seven of them children. They chose to make their argument by blocking a busy intersection near 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. The protesters displayed a united front by wearing matching red and white shirts that had “Stop Separating Families” printed on the front. The group sat down in the street, began chanting and locked arms. They were eventually approached by Capitol Police and escorted into vans.

The youngest protester arrested was eleven-year-old Jorge Servin. This is according to one of the organizers of the event, the Fair Immigration Reform Movement. This young man was quoted as saying that he decided to protest because he did not want “more kids to have to grow up without the love of their parents.”

Another young protester in the group was 15-year-old Elias Gonzalez, who said that he had participated in the event because his father had been deported to Mexico eight years ago. At that time Elias was only 7 years old, but was nonetheless forced to assume the role as caretaker for his younger brothers and sisters. "I lost my childhood," Elias said. "But I'm protesting not just for me but so that deportations don't continue separating other families."

Protests in and around Washington D.C. are nothing new. Since the 2013 proposed immigration reform bill passed the Senate, but then stalled in the House, there have been many protests, rallies, and events to encourage President Obama and Congress to get some type of immigration reform passed before too much more time goes by.

Along with the delay in Congress, President Obama and his administration were recently faced with the news that they have overseen more deportations than any other administration. The number of deportations reached 2 million in April 2014. In answer to these protests, Obama, has stated that he would work with his administration in order to work towards making deportations more humane. The review should be completed by the end of May 2014, with published results to follow shortly thereafter.

What are some other changes to immigration enforcement and policy would you like to see made by either the president or Congress? Do you believe that now is the time for immigration reform to be had or are there are obstacles standing in our way?

If you are dealing with immigration issues related to removal proceedings, detention, or other immigration matters, do not hesitate to consult with a local and experienced attorney in your area. My associates and I represent clients throughout Southern Arizona and would be happy to meet with you to discuss the facts of your case.

Immigration policy and laws are very detailed and can often be confusing. You do not have to go through this process on your own. Call us today at (520) 882-8852 or toll free at (877) 882-8852.

About the Author

Matthew Green

Managing Partner. Green | Evans-Schroeder (formerly Law Offices of Matthew H. Green) focuses on the aggressive defense of immigrants. A native of Arizona, Mr. Green understands the difficulties that immigrants and families of immigrants face when a loved one is charged with a crime. He knows how frightening it can be for some...

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